Injected Into A Growing Controversy

Texas Gov. Rick Perry caused a firestorm with a recent executive order requiring girls entering the sixth grade to be vaccinated against the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus, or HPV. The FDA-approved vaccine, known as Gardasil, would protect against the two HPV strains responsible for 70 percent of all cervical-cancer cases. Conservative opponents argue that making an inoculation for an STD mandatory may encourage premarital sex and violates parental rights. Even medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics agree it's too early to mandate a vaccine approved just last June. Renee Jenkins, president-elect of the AAP, says there is a need for more education about the vaccine. But some states may not wait that long. At least 18 others are considering measures similar to Texas's. "It might work out fine," Jenkins says. "But we don't need to walk down this road until we understand what the fallout might be."

© 2007